Let's extend that point, and ask why Republicans in Delaware struggle just to stay in the debate.

Last week, as noted in posts below, I started contacting DE Representatives in an attempt to influence their votes on SB 51. The emails I sent were all polite and to the point. I sent the messages to six Democrats and four Republicans (based on membership in a key committee and people I thought might be interested/responsive).

To date, five of the six Democrats have responded, and none of the Republicans-including my own representative.

In one sense I don't care if I had gotten the polite brush-off email--at least it would have indicated a minimal amount of attention being paid to these concerns.

From the Dems I received actual replies from the Reps, several of which contained requests for more information or suggestions of other Reps to contact.

Well, there is also the fact that the wingnuts have taken control of the GOP in Delaware. They actually turned down Castle, a certain win for Senate, for an ignorant right-wing clown. Look at the sheriff in Sussex. The moderates have been eclipsed by the crazies. The general voting public in DE, although not acutely politically sophisticated, are not the total rubes required to return the Republicans to power, not most of the current political GOP candidates.

It certainly doesn't help that they tend to run crazy people and/or 2nd string unknowns for major office.

But more importantly, the GOP in general is so hopelessly mired in 17th century Puritan social mores that many of the demographics that ought to strongly support them are literally afraid to vote Republican.